Debra A. Desmonde Obituary (1954

Debby “Deb” Desmonde passed away at home on December 29th, 2017 after an extended illness. Debra Ann Nerby was born November 27, 1954 in Lacrosse, WI to Sanford and Betty (Johnson) Nerby. Deb shared her gifts of an outgoing and sharing personality all throughout her lifetime. She was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester, MN, had a Music Education degree from UW – La Crosse, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from UW – Superior. Her beauty and vocal talents earned her the crowns of Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest 1975-1976, and Miss Minnesota 1979. Her vocal rendition of “Who Can I Turn To” is remembered by all who attended the Miss Minnesota Pageant. While living in Duluth, MN, she worked at both the CBS and ABC Television affiliates as both a weather person and a human-interest story reporter. Her charismatic smile and incredible television presence was enjoyed by all who watched her. Foul weather forecasts were somehow tolerable when delivered by Deb. Upon leaving the Duluth area, Deb put her Master’s Degree to work by managing her husband’s Psychology practice. They worked together for the last 25 years, and she was active to the end. Debby had a beautiful voice, and loved to sing. She also enjoyed getting together with family and friends for bowling and for golf outings. In the summer months, if she wasn’t working, or golfing, you could find her boating with her family. As talented and accomplished as she was, her favorite roll in life was that of Mother to her daughter Abby, and Grandma (Gummy) to her granddaughter Ellie. Debby was preceded in death by her father Sanford Nerby. She is survived by her husband Marcus, her daughter Abigail and granddaughter Elliana, all of Colfax WI. She is also survived by her mother Betty Nerby, sister Tamara Nerby, and brother Daniel Nerby, all of Rochester, MN, as well as by her sister Amy O’Brien of Bentonville, AR. As per Deb’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held this coming summer. To honor Deb’s life, donations are requested to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.